Hidden down a hutong in northern Beijing is Project Pengyou, home to the team that run an alumni network of Americans who have studied in China. It was Spawned from President Obama's 'one hundred thousand strong' initiative that aims to send more US students to China, and provides a platform for alumni to share their experiences.

Project Pengyou's Mission statement. February 9th, 2012. [CRIENGLISH.com]

American students currently in China are excited about the project and the prospect of sharing their experiences and advice with others in a similar situation.

Holly Chang, the founder of Project Pengyou, believes that it is these interactions that are ultimately going to have a positive impact on China-US relations. The students seem to agree, and think that their experiences will add to their understanding and alter their perspective.